The King of Glory
Scripture Reading: Ezra 4-5; Psalm 24
“Lift up your heads, O gates!
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in!”
—Psalm 24:7
Psalm 24 ends with an image that stirs the imagination: the gates of Jerusalem lifting their heads in honor, the ancient doors opening wide to welcome a King. Not just any king—the King of glory.
It’s majestic, poetic language, but it’s not just a song for ancient Israel. It’s a window into the character of God, and for Christians, it’s a prophetic glimpse of Christ’s triumph.
The psalm may have first been used when David brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem or during some other temple procession. But through the eyes of faith, early Christians saw it pointing forward—to the risen Christ ascending into heaven after defeating sin and death. Imagine heaven itself echoing with the call:
“Who is this King of glory?”
And then the answer:
“The Lord, strong and mighty… The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory!”
That’s the Jesus we worship. Not just a kind friend or gentle teacher—though He is both—but a victorious King. Mighty in battle. Glorious in holiness. Worthy of our awe.
The psalm also asks a question that hits close to home:
Are there gates in your heart that are closed to this King?
Maybe it’s the gate of pride. Or fear. Or just distraction. But this same King—strong, mighty, glorious—comes not to destroy, but to reign. He calls to us.
Lift up your heads, O gates… that the King of glory may come in.
Let that be more than poetry. Let it be your prayer.
